Richard Froese
South Peace News
High Prairie high school and minor football teams kick off the 2024 season in just over one week with new coaches, more players and a new league for the senior team.
The high school Renegades move to the Alberta 9-a-Side Football League from the 12-player Mighty Peace Football Conference while the Outlaws continue with the Peace Country Bantam Football League.
Leading both teams, new head coach Kristin Rich is excited about the new energy for both local teams.
“We are happy to be in the 9-a-side league,” says Rich, who has been active in local football for nine years.
“It’s something that needed to be done for the benefit of our teams.
“Moving to 9-man is a greater opportunity for our players.”
High Prairie joins the Peace Division with the Peace River Pioneers, the Valleyview Hillside Cougars, the Whitecourt Cats and the Edson Parkland Pacers.
In the past several years, High Prairie, Valleyview, Whitecourt and Edson played in the Mighty Peace conference.
“We have a strong solid offensive line and defensive line,” Rich says.
As the 9-a-side league is still in its infancy, all teams are working together to build football in the north, she notes.
The South/Central Division includes Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, Wainwright, Drayton Valley, Coaldale and Pincher Creek.
Rich says the new league suits the northern teams who had difficulty competing with Grande Prairie teams that had rosters of up to 40 players.
“I have great expectations for both the Renegades and the Outlaws,” Rich says.
“My goal is to build players’ confidence and skill and work on team building.”
“We have many up-and-coming players who show great potential.”
The Renegades have 21 registered and the Outlaws have 20.
For the Outlaws, it will be a building year, she says.
“Our numbers are up for both teams, higher than they were at this time last year,” Rich says.
Experienced players with Outlaws are stepping up to help younger and new players, she says.
The Renegades and the Peace River Pioneers will hold a football camp Sept. 6-7 at High Prairie.
All coaches from both teams are working together to improve the teams and leagues, Rich says.
“It’s positive for players from other teams to get together.” Rich says.
The Renegades kick off the four-game season Sept. 13 in Valleyview at 4 p.m.
Their first game in High Prairie is set for Oct. 5 against Edson at 4 p.m.
The Outlaws open the season Sept. 14 against the Sexsmith Shamrocks in Peace River at 3 p.m.
Their first game in High Prairie is on Oct. 5 against the Wembley Bulldogs at 1 p.m.
Over the past several months, many local players have tried out for the Alberta Summer Games and attended the New World Agency Football Camp, Rich says.
A complete new coaching staff also includes Ernest Patenaude and Larkin Stokes, along with three 2024 graduating Renegade players Zandyr Rich, Brody Kit and Damon Barber.
“We have former players coaching that will help grow our club in the future,” head coach Rich says.
More players are welcome as registration is available on the High Prairie and Area Football page on Facebook.